Boerne Chapter

Come Celebrate our 25th Anniversary on Friday, May 23rd!

We are thrilled to announce a special event to celebrate our 25th anniversary, to be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Patrick Heath Public Library in Boerne.

NPSOT members and NPSOT friends are invited!

This milestone celebration will feature a variety of activities designed to honor the chapter’s accomplishments, highlight the beauty, importance, and environmental benefits of native plants, as well as showcase the local art and creativity of the Boerne community.

  • Unveiling of a Special Book Section Devoted to Native Plants: Attendees will get an exclusive look at a newly curated collection of books, all focused on the topic of Texas native plants, and available for check-out at the Boerne Public Library.
  • Special Presentation to a Native Plant Advocate: The Boerne Chapter of NPSOT will recognize a dedicated native plant advocate who has made significant contributions to the chapter and its mission of promoting native plant conservation in the Boerne area. The recipient will be honored for their passion and efforts in supporting the chapter’s initiatives.
  • Inaugural Boerne NPSOT Art Show Featuring Local Artists and Native Flora and Fauna: Local artists will display their works inspired by the beauty of native plants, wildlife, and the natural landscape, offering a visual celebration of the region’s ecological wonders. Art works are exhibited in the Gallery Space on the first floor of the Patrick Heath Public Library from May 1 – May 30. The Gallery Space will be open during the library’s regular hours and during our anniversary event.
  • Grand Opening of the Native Plant Seed Library: The Boerne Chapter of NPSOT will unveil a new initiative aimed at promoting conservation and utilization of native plants and plant habitats in the Boerne area. The Native Plant Seed Library, located inside the Patrick Heath Public Library in Boerne, will allow community members to get native plant seeds for free and grow their own garden, and harvest new seeds from mature plants to return to the library.
  • Guided Tours of the Boerne City Campus Natural Area (BCCNA) Behind the Public Library: Join us for guided tours of the Boerne City Campus Natural Area (BCCNA) behind the library. In partnership with the city and other community organizations, the Boerne Chapter of NPSOT is working to restore this space to a thriving native habitat and wildlife corridor within the city. Explore a hidden gem of native flora and fauna, learn about our conservation efforts, and gain insight into the local ecosystem. Bring sensible shoes.

Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Details of the Event:

Date: Friday, May 23, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Location: Patrick Heath Public Library, 451 N. Main St., Boerne, Texas 78006

For more information about the event, please contact the Boerne Chapter of NPSOT at boerne-chapter@npsot.org or visit our website at https://www.npsot.org/chapters/boerne/

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason